OC Parks May 2015 Calendar of Events

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Here are some highlights from the OC Parks May Calendar of events, if you are looking for hiking ideas or other outdoor events this month, make sure to check out some of these great events!

OC Parks MAY 2015 calendar of events

May 2 – It’s a Dilley of a Hike   
8 – 10:30 a.m.
Raise your spirits as well as your heart rate on this great, 5.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (900-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Ages 15 and up. Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. James Dilley Preserve (405 South to 133 South to stoplight at 73 turn-off; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.

May 2 – Fitness Challenge for All
8:30 – 11 a.m.
Cardio on a treadmill or cardio with an ocean view? Push your personal workout goals and never get left behind as we cater to a range of fitness levels. It’s a great chance to see wildlife and learn all about Aliso and Wood Canyons from park staff. This is 5-miles (900-ft. elevation gain).
Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Parking: Free 
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas. Meet at the entrance to Canyon View Park). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2200 Sat - Sun.

May 2 – CPF Monthly Meeting 
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Interested in volunteering at Caspers Wilderness Park? Join our monthly volunteer meeting held in the Caspers Wilderness Park Nature Center. This is a great opportunity to learn just what volunteers do, as well as meet others who love nature, the outdoors and preserving the park for all. 
General business meeting starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by an informative lecture presented by guest speakers at 10 a.m. May Guest Speaker – to be announced. 
Location: Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Website: www.ocparks.com/caspers/
Cost: Free Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2210
Special Instructions: Ages 16 years and up. For more information, call the park office at (949) 923-2210.

May 2  – Redwood Hike
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Join OC Parks' trained staff on the first Saturday of the month for an easy 1.1-mile interpretive hike to the park's Coastal Redwood grove. You will use your 5 senses to engage with nature as you stroll to the Redwoods. You will also have an opportunity to learn about our native plants along the way. The hike begins at 9:30 a.m. from the park's Nature Center. Don't forget to visit our Nature Center when you are there, too!
Location: Carbon Canyon Regional Park. 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA 92823
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/carboncanyon/
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-3160
Special Instructions: All ages. Participants should remember water, sunscreen, hat, hiking shoes. Meet at Nature Center located at east end of the park. Reservations preferred, please call (714) 973-3160 or email carboncanyon@ocparks.com.

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Guided Interpretive Hike
10 – 11 a.m.
Join our naturalists on a nature walk and learn about the local plants, animals and history of Irvine Regional Park. Light to moderate walking on both paved paths and trails.
Location: Irvine Regional Park. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869 Website: www.ocparks.com/irvinepark/
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle 
Contact: (714) 973–6835
Special Instructions: All ages welcome. Meet at the Nature Center near the OC Zoo in parking lot #19.

May 10 – Mother’s Day in Nature
9 – 11 a.m.
Show your mom how much you love her by leading her on a walk, playing nature themed games, and learning about how mothers in the wild care for their babies. Pack a lunch to enjoy at the newly renovated staging area or garden benches.
Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Parking: Free 
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions: This is a children's themed event. Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters (newly renovated staging area!), 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, then left into parking lot). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2200 Sat - Sun.

May 13 – Yoga Hike  
9 – 10:30 a.m.
Stretch your mind and body on this 2.4-mile hike with a yoga twist over steep and uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain) led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.
Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Parking: Free 
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up. Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas. Meet at the entrance to Canyon View Park). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2200 Sat - Sun.


May 14 – Fitness Hike at Little Sycamore 
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Ages 15 and up. Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.
May 15 – Tot Walk
9 – 11 a.m.
Join Ranger Zak along with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers and bring your young ones (infant to age three) to explore Aliso's wild backyard. We will see bugs, animal tracks, plants, birds and have all kinds of outdoor fun!
Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions:  Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, left into parking lot). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.

May 15 – Magnificent Mammals – Preschool Program 
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Come learn all about animals covered in fur! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts and meeting zoo animals up close!
Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/oczoo/
Cost: $5 per child (one parent included) Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-6846
Special Instructions: PHONE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call Marcy Crede-Booth, Education Coordinator at (714) 973-6846. Please note the Easter-themed classes fill up quickly! For ages 3 to 4 years old. Parent must accompany child for duration of program. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo.

May 16 – Keep It Wild Volunteer Day
8 – 11 a.m.
Come on out and help restore the wild lands we so enjoy! There’s no better way to start a Saturday morning than by joining Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff in an invigorating project of non-native plant removal and/or planting native plants. Help us make a healthier environment for the native wildlife and for ourselves.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free Parking: Free for Keep It Wild Volunteers
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Little Sycamore Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I 5/405). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.
May 16 – Keep It Wild Volunteer Day 
8 – 11 a.m.
Come on out and help restore the wild lands we so enjoy! What better way to start a Saturday morning than to join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff in an invigorating project of non-native plant removal an/or planting native plants. Help us make a healthier environment for native wildlife and for ourselves.
Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: Free Parking: Free for Keep It Wild Volunteers 
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, left into parking lot). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2200 Sat - Sun.

May 16 – Orange County Bird of Prey Center
5 – 6 p.m.
Join Orange County Bird of Prey Center volunteer Peggy Chase and learn about our local raptors. Enjoy the opportunity to see these majestic interesting birds up close
Location: Laguna Niguel Regional Park. 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle 
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions: Reservations encouraged, visit: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Meet at the amphitheater. Program is free. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.
May 17 – Family Bandito Bike Ride to Dripping Cave 
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Join a band of bike wielding young explorers on a ride to Aliso’s most intriguing attraction. We’ll learn the mysterious legends of this famed bandit hideout as well as its previous inhabitants- the native Ajachamen people. Earn a Ranger badge for being an accomplice on the journey.
Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle 
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions: Ages 8 and up (or peddled by adult) who can comfortably ride 5 miles (150 ft. elevation gain), dirt trails with some sandy sections. Bike, helmet, water, snack and weather appropriate clothing/shoes are required. Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, left into parking lot). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2200 Sat - Sun.

May 17 – Beginning Mountain Bike Ride
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Learn mountain biking basics and trail etiquette on this 6.8-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain (800-ft. elevation gain) while enjoying canyon views. Please come prepared with a bike suitable for off-pavement riding, study shoes, helmet, gloves, water and snack. Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistants.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Register online with the link below: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. James Dilley Preserve (405 South to 133 South to stoplight at 73 turn-off; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.

May 17 – Restoration Day 
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Want to enjoy the outdoors and help take care of park ecosystems? Join us for Restoration Days at Peters Canyon Regional Park every third Sunday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Recommended to bring water and snacks, have sunscreen, and wear pants, long sleeve shirts and boots.
Location: Peters Canyon Regional Park. 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, CA 92869
Website: http://ocparks.com/peterscanyon/
Cost: Free
Contact: (714) 973-6611
Special Instructions: Please register by calling (714) 973-6611 or emailing peterscanyon@ocparks.com.   

May 17 – Morning Walk Around the Lake
9 – 11 a.m.
Come enjoy a wonderful morning walk around the lake and learn about the native plants and critters in the park. This is an easy 2.5 mile walk (both paved and dirt trail) with no elevation gain. Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer Naturalists. Dogs on leashes welcome.
Location: Laguna Niguel Regional Park. 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle 
Contact: (949) 923-2240
Special Instructions: Ages 8 and up. Meet at parking lot closest to Shelter 3. Online reservations required: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities.html. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2240 Sat - Sun.
May 20 – Book Hike in the Wilderness
9 – 11 a.m.
Join us for a wonderful 4-mile hike in beautiful Aliso & Wood Canyons while we share and discuss our favorite books. Come prepared to contribute a title or two and leave with the anticipation of some great new reads as well as a relaxed and exercised body. Led by a Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist & reader. Elevation gain 300 ft. on terrain that can be uneven and rocky.
Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions:  Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. A hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes, water and snack are recommended. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas, meet at the entrance to Canyon View Park). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.

May 20 – Down on the Farm – Preschool Program 
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Come learn all about farm animals including chickens, pigs, goats, sheep, and more! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo animals up close! 
Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/oczoo/
Cost: $5 per child (one parent included) Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-6846
Special Instructions: For ages 3 to 4 years old. PHONE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call Marcy Crede-Booth, Education Coordinator at (714) 973-6846. Parent must accompany child for duration of program. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo.

May 21 – Fitness Hike at Ridge Park
8:30 – 11 a.m.
Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 6.5-mile hike (700-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.  
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Ages 15 and up. Not for beginners. Hiking poles suggested. Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd. east to end; meet at the gate.) For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.

May 23 – Geology Hike at Willow
1 – 4 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon of unspoiled canyon views and learn about the geology of this area.  The rocks and fossils reveal fascinating stories about the park’s ancient environments. This will be a 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (600-ft. elevation gain).
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/lagunac/
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Register online with the link below:
www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Willow Canyon Staging Area (south of El Toro Rd intersection). For questions call: 949-497-8324 Mon-Fri & 949-923-2235 Sat/Sun.
May 24 – Birding Walk
8 – 11 a.m.
Spot native and winter resident birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this 2-mile hike over uneven terrain (up to 400-ft. elevation gain) through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Ages 12 and up (minor must be accompanied by an adult). Wear hiking or walking shoes and bring your binoculars. Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. James Dilley Preserve (405 South to 133 South to stoplight at 73 turn-off; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.
May 27 – Beginning Fitness Hike  
9 – 10:30 a.m.
Now is a great time to start a new fitness routine beginning with an easy 2.5-mile hike over moderate, but uneven terrain to Barbara’s Lake and back (100-ft. elevation gain). Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer and registered dietitian to learn about fitness and nutrition during this 1.5-hour hike.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Ages 12 and up. Wear walking or hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen and bring water. Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. James Dilley Preserve (405 South to 133 South to stoplight at 73 turn-off; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.
May 28 – Fitness Hike at Willow  
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous and fast-paced, 5.5-mile hike (571-ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun.
 
May 31 – Family Science Sunday – Bugs, Blooms and Butterflies
10 – 4 p.m.
Free Activities in the Muth Interpretive Center classroom once a month, each with a different educational theme to explore.  The activities are self guided and may include hands on exhibits, outside activities, crafts and more. Short Hike/Activity at 11am and 2pm
Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. 2301 University Drive, 
Newport Beach, CA 92660 
Website: http://ocparks.com/parks/newport/
Contact: (949) 923-2290
Special Instructions: No registration necessary. Email unbic@ocparks.com for more information. 

May 31 – Meditating in Nature
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Relax in nature.  Enjoy a short walking meditation, breathing and energization exercises, and sitting meditation. Bring a blanket and a pillow. No experience necessary.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions:  Ages 16 and up. Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon – Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat - Sun

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